Collection Scope and Content Note

Over 300 matchbook covers from gay bars, discos, private clubs, restaurants, and bathhouses across the United States. Most from the early 1970s are from New York City, and matchbooks from the 1980s are mostly from Los Angeles. Included are some from Germany in the 1970s. There are also over 30 business cards from these establishments and over 30 personalized membership cards from private clubs of the early 1970s in New York. These precursors to Studio 54 include Flamingo, 12-West, Buttermilk Bottom, Starship Discovery, Les Mouches, Galaxy 21, and Truck Stop.